The heart-wrenching decision by Ethan Chapin’s family to abstain from Bryan Kohberger’s court hearings has brought a deeply personal dimension to the widely publicized Idaho college murders, a case that continues to captivate true crime enthusiasts.
“Sitting in the courtroom just doesn’t feel right,” expressed Ethan’s mother, Stacy Chapin, in Prime Video’s gripping docuseries, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders. Her poignant question, “Why would I go sit in a courtroom with that person?” encapsulates a deep-seated desire to avoid further proximity to the individual responsible for such unimaginable grief in this tragic Bryan Kohberger case.
Bryan Kohberger’s apprehension in December 2022, merely a month after the horrific Moscow, Idaho, home invasion at 1122 King Road, marked a significant development in the tragic case where Chapin, his girlfriend Madison Mogen, and her roommates Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle were brutally murdered. Last month, Kohberger entered a guilty plea to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, a pivotal agreement that precluded the possibility of the death penalty, ensuring he will now spend life in prison.
The Prime Video four-part docuseries, released on July 11, also delved into the profound impact on Ethan’s sister, Maizie Chapin, who recounted the final text message exchanged with her brother before his death on November 13, 2022. The series revealed intimate details, including Maizie taking Ethan as her date to a Kappa Alpha Theta event, painting a picture of their close bond.
Stacy further articulated her stance, stating, “I don’t have a need to go look him in the eyes. I don’t.” She emphasized a pragmatic acceptance of their reality, asserting, “It is what it is. We cannot change the outcome on this thing. We cannot bring Ethan back,” highlighting a family’s resilient focus on what remains within their control amidst profound loss.
While Maddie, Kaylee, and Xana’s families were visibly present at the July 23 hearing, the Chapin family consciously chose a different path, with Stacy publicly discussing her decision to forgo Kohberger’s appearances on July 31. This divergence in coping mechanisms underscores the varied ways victims’ families navigate such harrowing legal processes.
Ethan, a triplet, shared an unbreakable bond with his siblings, Hunter and Maizie, who also bravely shared their perspectives within the Prime Video docuseries. Stacy acknowledged the overwhelming community support, describing it as “our backbone,” extending gratitude to close friends, Greek family, and others who provided comfort since the tragic Idaho murders.
She eloquently expressed deep appreciation for their collective strength, stating, “Although each of their experiences is different, all have suffered severe loss and trauma.” Stacy concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Ethan, “You were only with us for 20 years, but you touched the lives of so many people,” vowing to continue honoring his enduring legacy.
